Sandra Via, Ph.D.
About Sandra Via, Ph.D.
Sandra Via, Ph.D., serves as the Director of Partner Success at Acadeum, a position she has held since 2022. She has extensive experience in higher education, having held various roles at Ferrum College, including Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies and Associate Professor of Political Science.
Current Role at Acadeum
Sandra Via-Ellington serves as the Director of Partner Success at Acadeum, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she focuses on fostering partnerships and enhancing collaboration to support the organization's mission. Her extensive background in higher education equips her to effectively engage with partners and drive initiatives that align with Acadeum's goals.
Previous Experience at Ferrum College
Sandra Via-Ellington has held multiple positions at Ferrum College, contributing to various academic programs. She worked as the Director of International Programs and Study Abroad from 2013 to 2015, and later as the Director of Graduate and Online Studies from 2019 to 2020. Additionally, she served as Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies from 2021 to 2022. Her tenure at Ferrum College also includes roles as the International Studies Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Political Science.
Educational Background
Sandra Via-Ellington has a robust educational background. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Ferrum College in 2004. She then pursued her Master of Arts in Political Science at Virginia Tech, completing it in 2007. Sandra achieved her Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, Governance, and Globalization from Virginia Tech in 2011. Additionally, she holds graduate certificates in Higher Education Administration from Virginia Tech.
Teaching Experience
Sandra Via-Ellington has significant teaching experience, having served as an Adjunct Faculty member at Virginia Tech from 2008 to 2016. Her academic roles include positions as Assistant Professor of Political Science and later as Associate Professor at Ferrum College, where she taught from 2008 to 2022. Her expertise in political science and international studies has informed her teaching methodologies and course design.
Professional Development
Sandra Via-Ellington has engaged in professional development throughout her career. She completed a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration from Virginia Tech in 2018. Her focus on higher education administration complements her academic roles and enhances her contributions to institutional leadership and program development.